HOW TO GROW AND HARVEST CHIVES – Chives are one of those herbs you can grow pretty much anywhere and in fact will grow wild. When it comes to harvesting chives this takes a little care, but when done properly it will help the plant to produce more growth that can be harvested in the future. In the guide below you can learn how to grow and harvest chives in your own garden.
Growing Chives
Step 1
You can grow Chives in pots or in any area of your garden. Chives do like rich nutrient soil and that is well drained with plenty of sunlight.
Step 2
Mix up some 2 Parts Manure with 1 Part Compost and 1 Part Sand or Grit and dig this into the soil where you want to plant. The sand will help with drainage and Chives, like most herbs, prefer well drained soil. You have a choice when it comes to using manure but I would recommend Cow manure rather than Horse manure as it is much richer is content and will really help your Chives to flourish.
Step 3
Plant your Chive seeds in a seed tray or planter and cover with soil. DO NOT overly compact the soil as this will make it difficult for the seeds to sprout through the soil.
Step 4
Add a layer of mulch to prevent weed growth and water lightly. A layer of mulch, not too thick, about 1″ will do, will help to retain moisture in the soil so that you won’t have to keep watering it too much.
Harvesting Chives
Step 1
Chives grow so that they almost look like grass. Pinch the leaves and if they appear hollow they are ready to harvest.
Step 2
Take a pair of scissors or secateurs and cut about 1″ from the base of the stalk.
Step 3
DO NOT cut too close to the bulb of the chive as you could end up killing the plant.
Step 4
Wash your chives and chop up for cooking or sprinkling on your salads.
